<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719417654127.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
 
WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The Basketball Tournament (TBT) &ndash; the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on FOX Sports &ndash; will return for the Wichita Regional in 2024. AfterShocks, a Wichita State alumni team, will be competing in TBT for the fifth time. Regional games will be played at Charles Koch Arena from July 20-24. AfterShocks, the top seed in the Wichita Regional, are organized and coached by former Shockers&apos; guards Zach Bush, JR Simon, and Garrett Stutz. Bush will serve as the team&apos;s head coach. AfterShocks current roster includes: &nbsp; ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Alterique Gilbert (2020-21) ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Trey Wade (2019-21) ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Markis McDuffie (2015-19) ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Conner Frankamp (2015-18) ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Darral Willis (2016-18) ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Rashard Kelly (2014-18) ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jordan Parks (NC Central) ● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Caleb Walker (Nebraska) &nbsp; More players will be added to the AfterShocks roster in the following weeks announced via TBT and team social media platforms. &nbsp; The rest of the Wichita region includes: #2 seed Mass Street (Kansas alumni) #3 seed Florida TNT #4 seed Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni) #5 seed Team Colorado (Colorado alumni) #6 seed LA Cheaters #7 seed Ram Up (Colorado State alumni) #8 seed Midtown Prestige &nbsp; AfterShocks will play Wichita-based minor league team Midtown Prestige on Saturday, July 20, at 12 pm CT on FS1. If AfterShocks advances to the second round, they will face the winner of Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni) and Team Colorado (Colorado alumni) on Monday, July 22 at 8 p.m. CT on FS1. The Wichita Regional championship game is Wednesday, July 24 at 8 p.m. CT on FS1. The winner of the Wichita Regional will play the winner of the Houston Regional in the quarterfinals on July 29 or 30 (official game date, time, and location to be determined). The semifinals and $1 million winner-take-all championship game will be Aug. 2 and Aug. 4 in Philadelphia, Pa. at the Daskalakis Athletic Center. For more information on AfterShocks and tickets for this year&apos;s Wichita Regional, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thetournament.com/" style="text-align: start;color: black;font-size: 16px;">TheTournament.com</a>. About The Basketball Tournament The home of the Elam Ending&reg;, The Basketball Tournament has grown from a unique idea among friends to one of the most exciting and engaging events on the summer sports calendar, with national exposure, social media buzz and regional championships across the country - culminating in a winner-take-all $1 million game. Every year it attracts some of the best players in the world. For more information on TBT&apos;s eleventh season, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thetournament.com/" style="text-align: start;color: black;font-size: 16px;">www.thetournament.com</a>.</div>

🏀 MBB: TBT bracket, matchups revealed for 2024 Wichita Regional

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719417260287.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
 
MANHATTAN, Kan. &nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Purple Reign &ndash; Kansas State&apos;s men&apos;s basketball alumni team &ndash; will once again compete in the $1 million, winner-take-all The Basketball Tournament (TBT) in the Wichita Regional, July 20-24, at Koch Arena. The No. 4 seed Purple Reign (formerly the Purple &amp; Black) will take on the No. 5 Team Colorado (Colorado alumni), on Saturday, July 20 at 1 p.m., CT on FS2. If Purple Reign advances to the second round, they will face the winner of No. 1 seed Aftershocks (Wichita State alumni) and No. 8 seed Midtown Prestige on Monday, July 22 at 8 p.m., CT on FS1. Other teams in the Wichita Regional include the No. 2 seed Mass Street (Kansas alumni), No. 3 seed Florida TNT, No. 6 seed LA Cheaters and No. 7 seed Ram Up (Colorado State alumni). The 64-team field is a single-elimination, winner-take-all tournament to take home the $1 million prize. Purple Reign, which is organized by former Wildcat&nbsp;Jordan&nbsp;Henriquez-Roberts, is in seventh year competing in the TBT. Henriquez-Roberts, who has been the head coach for the past 3 summers, is a part of the winningest class in school history (101 victories) as well as the first team to win a conference championship in 36 years in 2013. Former Wildcats&nbsp;Curtis Kelly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Clent Stewart&nbsp;are also serving as assistant coaches. All-time leading scorer and recent K-State Sports Hall of Fame inductee&nbsp;Jacob Pullen&nbsp;(2007-11) headlines the Purple Reign, which also includes former Wildcats&nbsp;Cartier Diarra&nbsp;(2017-20),&nbsp;Justin Edwards&nbsp;(2014-16),&nbsp;DaJuan Gordon&nbsp;(2019-21),&nbsp;Stephen Hurt&nbsp;(2014-16),&nbsp;<dfn style="color: rgb(229, 231, 235);"><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/abayomi-iyiola/9697" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(229, 231, 235);">Abayomi Iyiola</a></dfn>&nbsp;(2022-23),&nbsp;Xavier Sneed&nbsp;(2016-20) and&nbsp;Kamau&nbsp;Stokes&nbsp;(2015-19). The team also includes&nbsp;Yor Anei&nbsp;(Oklahoma State/SMU/DePaul) and&nbsp;Delano Spencer&nbsp;(Tennessee State). The winner of the Wichita Regional will face the winner of the Houston Regional in the quarterfinals for the right to advance to the national semifinals in Philadelphia. The semifinals will be played on Friday, August 2 on FS1, before the $1M winner-take-all championship game on Sunday, August 4 on FOX. For more information on Purple Reign and tickets for this year&apos;s TBT, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thetournament.com/" style="text-align: start;color: rgb(229, 231, 235);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;">TheTournament.com</a>.</div>

🏀 MBB: K-State's alumni team to participate in $1 million TBT in July

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, June 28th." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Wednesday, June 28th.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="June 26th, 2024 Early Morning Sports" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=nfkan-1650ef1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Marlins edge Royals; ⚾  Monarchs rally to earn win over Haysville

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Haysville Aviators at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Monday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719401813381.png" alt="Game Day vs Aviators for Wednesday, June 26th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Game Day vs Aviators for Wednesday, June 26th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Haysville Aviators at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Monday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Sean Boston will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1107269?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ WATCH LIVE! Hutch Monarchs wrap up series with Aviators

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Miami Marlins scored two seventh-inning runs to overcome Seth Lugo’s strong start in a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals. After collecting two singles against Lugo in six innings, the Marlins rallied for a pair of two-out runs against relievers Carlos Hernández. Nick Gordon’s infield hit tied the game and he scored the go-ahead run on a throwing error. A.J. Puk recorded four outs for the win and Tanner Scott earned his 10th save.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The game between the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday night was postponed due to inclement weather and a day-night doubleheader was scheduled. The first game will begin at 12:45 p.m. and the second game will begin as originally scheduled at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA Division I Council voted Tuesday to remove cannabis products from the banned drug substance list and end limits on how many football staffers can work with players on field. The council said cannabis products don't provide a competitive advantage and its focus in on the health well-being of student athletes rather than punishment for using cannabis. The additional coaches on field mean teams are no longer limited to just the head coach and 10 assistants working with players at practices and games.

HOUSTON (AP) — The University of Houston has started the search for a new athletics director after parting ways with Chris Pezman. Pezman was let go last week after leading the school’s athletic department since 2017 and helping Houston transition into its move to the Big 12 Conference last year. Raymond S. Bartlett, who is Houston’s senior vice president for administration and finance, will be the interim athletics director until a replacement is found.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas has parted ways with baseball coach David Pierce after eight seasons in which the Longhorns won the Big 12 three times but made only three appearances in the College World Series. The Longhorns’ best season under Pierce was in 2021, when they finished third at the CWS. Pierce was 295-162 with the Longhorns and 494-271 overall at Texas, Tulane and Sam Houston State. He has two years left on a contract that paid him $1.2 million annually. Texas leaves the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference on July 1. The SEC is college baseball’s powerhouse conference.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas A&amp;M baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle is leaving the Aggies for rival Texas. The move Tuesday comes after Schlossnagle led the Aggies to a runner-up finish at the College World Series. The Aggies lost a best-of-three series with Tennessee for the championship. Schlossnagle replaces David Pierce who was fired after eight seasons at Texas. The move is sure to further enflame an Aggies-Longhorns rivalry that will be renewed on a regular basis when Texas joins A&amp;M in the Southeastern Conference next season. Schlossnagle led Texas A&amp;M to the CWS twice in three seasons.

NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Sarr was born in France and spent last season playing in Australia. Zaccharie Risacher was born in Spain and is coming off a breakout season in France. The next step in their global basketball journey is the NBA, with one of them potentially heading to Atlanta on Wednesday night as the No. 1 pick in the draft. France could have the No. 1 selection for a second straight season after Victor Wembanyama went to San Antonio last year amid enormous expectations and lived up to the hype in a Rookie of the Year season.

UNDATED (AP) — UConn combo guard Stephon Castle, Tennessee's Dalton Knecht and a backcourt duo from Kentucky are the headliners on the list of top guards in the upcoming NBA draft. Castle was a touted freshman who helped the Huskies win a second straight NCAA title with his size and defensive potential. Knecht scored in bunches as a veteran transfer. The Wildcats have a final crop of one-and-done players from former coach John Calipari's tenure in Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham. Serbian teenage point guard Nikola Topic is another top prospect at the position.

NEW YORK (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the details say that Mikal Bridges is being traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the New York Knicks, where he will join Jalen Brunson and his other former Villanova teammates. The first trade between the New York rivals since 1983 will put Bridges in the lineup alongside Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, players who helped the Wildcats win two NCAA championships. The Knicks will pay big to get him, with ESPN reporting Tuesday that they are sending the Nets Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks and one protected pick. The deal was confirmed to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity because it is not yet official.

Atlanta at St. Louis 1:45 p.m. (Postponed)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, June 26th, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, June 26th, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Miami Marlins scored two seventh-inning runs to overcome Seth Lugo’s strong start in a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals. After collecting two singles against Lugo in six innings, the Marlins rallied for a pair of two-out runs against relievers Carlos Hernández. Nick Gordon’s infield hit tied the game and he scored the go-ahead run on a throwing error. A.J. Puk recorded four outs for the win and Tanner Scott earned his 10th save.ST. LOUIS (AP) — The game between the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday night was postponed due to inclement weather and a day-night doubleheader was scheduled. The first game will begin at 12:45 p.m. and the second game will begin as originally scheduled at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA Division I Council voted Tuesday to remove cannabis products from the banned drug substance list and end limits on how many football staffers can work with players on field. The council said cannabis products don't provide a competitive advantage and its focus in on the health well-being of student athletes rather than punishment for using cannabis. The additional coaches on field mean teams are no longer limited to just the head coach and 10 assistants working with players at practices and games.HOUSTON (AP) — The University of Houston has started the search for a new athletics director after parting ways with Chris Pezman. Pezman was let go last week after leading the school’s athletic department since 2017 and helping Houston transition into its move to the Big 12 Conference last year. Raymond S. Bartlett, who is Houston’s senior vice president for administration and finance, will be the interim athletics director until a replacement is found.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas has parted ways with baseball coach David Pierce after eight seasons in which the Longhorns won the Big 12 three times but made only three appearances in the College World Series. The Longhorns’ best season under Pierce was in 2021, when they finished third at the CWS. Pierce was 295-162 with the Longhorns and 494-271 overall at Texas, Tulane and Sam Houston State. He has two years left on a contract that paid him $1.2 million annually. Texas leaves the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference on July 1. The SEC is college baseball’s powerhouse conference.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas A&amp;M baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle is leaving the Aggies for rival Texas. The move Tuesday comes after Schlossnagle led the Aggies to a runner-up finish at the College World Series. The Aggies lost a best-of-three series with Tennessee for the championship. Schlossnagle replaces David Pierce who was fired after eight seasons at Texas. The move is sure to further enflame an Aggies-Longhorns rivalry that will be renewed on a regular basis when Texas joins A&amp;M in the Southeastern Conference next season. Schlossnagle led Texas A&amp;M to the CWS twice in three seasons.NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Sarr was born in France and spent last season playing in Australia. Zaccharie Risacher was born in Spain and is coming off a breakout season in France. The next step in their global basketball journey is the NBA, with one of them potentially heading to Atlanta on Wednesday night as the No. 1 pick in the draft. France could have the No. 1 selection for a second straight season after Victor Wembanyama went to San Antonio last year amid enormous expectations and lived up to the hype in a Rookie of the Year season.UNDATED (AP) — UConn combo guard Stephon Castle, Tennessee's Dalton Knecht and a backcourt duo from Kentucky are the headliners on the list of top guards in the upcoming NBA draft. Castle was a touted freshman who helped the Huskies win a second straight NCAA title with his size and defensive potential. Knecht scored in bunches as a veteran transfer. The Wildcats have a final crop of one-and-done players from former coach John Calipari's tenure in Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham. Serbian teenage point guard Nikola Topic is another top prospect at the position.NEW YORK (AP) — Two people with knowledge of the details say that Mikal Bridges is being traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the New York Knicks, where he will join Jalen Brunson and his other former Villanova teammates. The first trade between the New York rivals since 1983 will put Bridges in the lineup alongside Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, players who helped the Wildcats win two NCAA championships. The Knicks will pay big to get him, with ESPN reporting Tuesday that they are sending the Nets Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks and one protected pick. The deal was confirmed to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity because it is not yet official.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Detroit 4 Philadelphia 1Final N.Y. Mets 9 N.Y. Yankees 7Final Milwaukee 3 Texas 1Final Miami 2 Kansas City 1Final Houston 5 Colorado 2Final L.A. Dodgers 4 Chicago White Sox 3Final Arizona 5 Minnesota 4AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Cleveland 10 Baltimore 8Final Tampa Bay 11 Seattle 3Final Toronto 9 Boston 4Final L.A. Angels 7 Oakland 5NATIONAL LEAGUEAtlanta at St. Louis 1:45 p.m. (Postponed)Final Pittsburgh 9 Cincinnati 5

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

<a href="https://corporate.hallmark.com/news-article/hallmark-media-nfl-skydance-sports-the-world-champion-kansas-city-chiefs-team-up-for-new-christmas-movie-holiday-touchdown-a-chiefs-love-story/">Via Hallmark</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Are you ready for some football? &nbsp;It’s game time on Hallmark Channel this holiday season when two renowned Kansas City institutions – the Kansas City Chiefs and Hallmark – team up with the NFL and Skydance Sports for a holiday movie and partnership that will have audiences everywhere cheering – TOUCHDOWN! &nbsp;Tyler Hynes&nbsp;(Shifting Gears, Three Wise Men and a Baby),&nbsp;Hunter King&nbsp;(Two Scoops Of Italy, The Santa Summit)&nbsp;and Ed Begley Jr.&nbsp;(Young Sheldon,&nbsp;Better Call&nbsp;Saul)&nbsp;star in the new, original movie,&nbsp;Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.&nbsp;&nbsp;The movie begins production next month and will film entirely in Kansas City, Missouri locations, including the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, marking the first time the loudest stadium in the world has been used as a filming location in a Hallmark movie.

“With Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs both homegrown, rooted in values, tradition and community, there is a special alchemy between these two iconic organizations,” said Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark. “By blending the warmth of Hallmark storytelling with the excitement of professional football, we are thrilled to give audiences a front-row seat to this community’s spirit, rich traditions and passionate fans that define Kansas City, all wrapped up in the comforting and uplifting Hallmark way.”

“We are honored to partner with Hallmark on a project as unique as this,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “As a club, we pride ourselves on exploring new ways to grow our brand, as well as connect with new audiences. This partnership unites two passionate fanbases and gives us an opportunity to show Chiefs Kingdom’s energy and tradition on one of the most-watched channels during the holiday season.”

In&nbsp;Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, Alana Higman (King) is sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest.&nbsp; Derrick (Hynes), Director of Fan Engagement, is tasked with evaluating how Alana&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and her family stack up against the other two finalists.&nbsp; As the pair spends time together, it’s clear there’s a spark between them but when her grandfathers (Begley Jr.) vintage Chiefs, good luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate, destiny and even questions her future with Derrick – unless, that is, a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary.

This film marks the ultimate celebration of a longstanding collaboration between the two pioneering KC-based brands, officially uniting the Hallmarkies and Chiefs Kingdom like never before. With planning underway for game-day activations, unique co-branded merchandise, and on-air, social, and digital promotion, the multifaceted partnership will engage widespread audiences both on and off the field, with more details to be announced later this year. What’s more, this film will fuel the proven track record of viewership crossover between Countdown to Christmas enthusiasts and sports fans. In fact, over 50% of Hallmark Channel viewers also watched sports while the Countdown to Christmas was on air in 2023, making this film the perfect holiday occasion.*

Skydance Sports serves as the Executive Producer of&nbsp;Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. A newly formed venture between Skydance Media and the NFL, Skydance Sports is designed to create a top-end sports content studio and expand multi-platform sports programming across a broad range of formats.

To celebrate the uniquely local partnership between the two organizations, Kansas City’s downtown skyline will be lit purple and red tonight beginning at sunset.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719398947587.jpeg" alt="Hallmark and Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Hallmark and Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://corporate.hallmark.com/news-article/hallmark-media-nfl-skydance-sports-the-world-champion-kansas-city-chiefs-team-up-for-new-christmas-movie-holiday-touchdown-a-chiefs-love-story/">Via Hallmark</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Are you ready for some football? &nbsp;It’s game time on Hallmark Channel this holiday season when two renowned Kansas City institutions – the Kansas City Chiefs and Hallmark – team up with the NFL and Skydance Sports for a holiday movie and partnership that will have audiences everywhere cheering – TOUCHDOWN! &nbsp;Tyler Hynes&nbsp;(Shifting Gears, Three Wise Men and a Baby),&nbsp;Hunter King&nbsp;(Two Scoops Of Italy, The Santa Summit)&nbsp;and Ed Begley Jr.&nbsp;(Young Sheldon,&nbsp;Better Call&nbsp;Saul)&nbsp;star in the new, original movie,&nbsp;Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.&nbsp;&nbsp;The movie begins production next month and will film entirely in Kansas City, Missouri locations, including the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, marking the first time the loudest stadium in the world has been used as a filming location in a Hallmark movie.“With Hallmark and the Kansas City Chiefs both homegrown, rooted in values, tradition and community, there is a special alchemy between these two iconic organizations,” said Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark. “By blending the warmth of Hallmark storytelling with the excitement of professional football, we are thrilled to give audiences a front-row seat to this community’s spirit, rich traditions and passionate fans that define Kansas City, all wrapped up in the comforting and uplifting Hallmark way.”“We are honored to partner with Hallmark on a project as unique as this,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “As a club, we pride ourselves on exploring new ways to grow our brand, as well as connect with new audiences. This partnership unites two passionate fanbases and gives us an opportunity to show Chiefs Kingdom’s energy and tradition on one of the most-watched channels during the holiday season.”In&nbsp;Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, Alana Higman (King) is sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest.&nbsp; Derrick (Hynes), Director of Fan Engagement, is tasked with evaluating how Alana&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and her family stack up against the other two finalists.&nbsp; As the pair spends time together, it’s clear there’s a spark between them but when her grandfathers (Begley Jr.) vintage Chiefs, good luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate, destiny and even questions her future with Derrick – unless, that is, a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary.This film marks the ultimate celebration of a longstanding collaboration between the two pioneering KC-based brands, officially uniting the Hallmarkies and Chiefs Kingdom like never before. With planning underway for game-day activations, unique co-branded merchandise, and on-air, social, and digital promotion, the multifaceted partnership will engage widespread audiences both on and off the field, with more details to be announced later this year. What’s more, this film will fuel the proven track record of viewership crossover between Countdown to Christmas enthusiasts and sports fans. In fact, over 50% of Hallmark Channel viewers also watched sports while the Countdown to Christmas was on air in 2023, making this film the perfect holiday occasion.*Skydance Sports serves as the Executive Producer of&nbsp;Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story. A newly formed venture between Skydance Media and the NFL, Skydance Sports is designed to create a top-end sports content studio and expand multi-platform sports programming across a broad range of formats.To celebrate the uniquely local partnership between the two organizations, Kansas City’s downtown skyline will be lit purple and red tonight beginning at sunset.

🏈 Hallmark and Chiefs to collaborate on movie

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Gordon’s infield hit highlighted the Miami Marlins late two-out rally for a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday evening.

After collecting just two singles in six scoreless innings against Seth Lugo, the Marlins recorded four hits in the seventh, scoring both runs with two out against relievers Carlos Hernández (0-1) and Will Smith.

“It’s never an easy decision,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of removing Lugo. “He’s so good. With the heat and where they were in the batting order and how we felt about Carlos in that spot, all those things factor in.”

Otto López doubled and scored the tying run when second baseman Maikel Garcia threw wildly after making a diving stop on Gordon’s grounder.

Gordon later scored on Jazz Chisholm’s infield hit and Smith’s throwing error.

“We put the ball in play and got a little fortunate on a couple of those plays,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “But there’s value in putting the ball in play. We made things happen. It wasn’t a ton of hard contact, but a win’s a win.”

López had two hits and has four of the Marlins’ 11 hits in the series.

Starter Yonny Chirinos and four Marlins relievers retired 15 consecutive Royals hitters before Salvador Perez’s single with one out in the ninth.

“The bullpen was just outstanding,” Schumaker said. “Chirinos, really good. Five strong innings, a lot of weak contact, pounded the strike zone with his slider, really opened up his sinker and was able to elevate his fastball at times.”

In his second start of the season, Chirinos permitted a run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in five innings.

“Part of the key, just to go a little deeper in the game, was attacking hitters,” Chirinos said. “Getting ahead in the count, getting the first pitch for a strike, that gives you more options.”

A.J. Puk (2-8) struck out two while recording four outs for the win. Tanner Scott earned his 10th save as the Marlins have won 5 of 7.

Lugo spun four hitless innings, allowing only a second-inning walk. He finished six shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks, striking out eight. Lugo leads the majors with 110 innings pitched, and his 12 starts of at least six innings with no more than two runs allowed are most in the majors.

“Lugo was really good,” Schumaker said. “He can spin the ball as good as anybody in the league. He kept us off-balance with his changeup and elevated fastball. He was excellent tonight.”

The Royals took a first-inning lead when Maikel Garcia walked, stole two bases and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp single to center.

Kansas City managed just four hits and have lost 12 of 16.

“We were just bad tonight,” Pasquantino said. “It seems to be a common theme over the past few weeks. Hoping to take a step forward after last night. We didn’t do that.”

Royals RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.29 ERA) takes the mound. The Marlins will call up RHP Valente Bellozo for his major league debut in Wednesday afternoon’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719394882388.jpeg" alt="Miami Marlins starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Miami Marlins starting pitcher Yonny Chirinos throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC BOWMAN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Gordon’s infield hit highlighted the Miami Marlins late two-out rally for a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday evening.After collecting just two singles in six scoreless innings against Seth Lugo, the Marlins recorded four hits in the seventh, scoring both runs with two out against relievers Carlos Hernández (0-1) and Will Smith.“It’s never an easy decision,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of removing Lugo. “He’s so good. With the heat and where they were in the batting order and how we felt about Carlos in that spot, all those things factor in.”Otto López doubled and scored the tying run when second baseman Maikel Garcia threw wildly after making a diving stop on Gordon’s grounder.Gordon later scored on Jazz Chisholm’s infield hit and Smith’s throwing error.“We put the ball in play and got a little fortunate on a couple of those plays,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “But there’s value in putting the ball in play. We made things happen. It wasn’t a ton of hard contact, but a win’s a win.”López had two hits and has four of the Marlins’ 11 hits in the series.Starter Yonny Chirinos and four Marlins relievers retired 15 consecutive Royals hitters before Salvador Perez’s single with one out in the ninth.“The bullpen was just outstanding,” Schumaker said. “Chirinos, really good. Five strong innings, a lot of weak contact, pounded the strike zone with his slider, really opened up his sinker and was able to elevate his fastball at times.”In his second start of the season, Chirinos permitted a run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in five innings.“Part of the key, just to go a little deeper in the game, was attacking hitters,” Chirinos said. “Getting ahead in the count, getting the first pitch for a strike, that gives you more options.”A.J. Puk (2-8) struck out two while recording four outs for the win. Tanner Scott earned his 10th save as the Marlins have won 5 of 7.Lugo spun four hitless innings, allowing only a second-inning walk. He finished six shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks, striking out eight. Lugo leads the majors with 110 innings pitched, and his 12 starts of at least six innings with no more than two runs allowed are most in the majors.“Lugo was really good,” Schumaker said. “He can spin the ball as good as anybody in the league. He kept us off-balance with his changeup and elevated fastball. He was excellent tonight.”The Royals took a first-inning lead when Maikel Garcia walked, stole two bases and scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s sharp single to center.Kansas City managed just four hits and have lost 12 of 16.“We were just bad tonight,” Pasquantino said. “It seems to be a common theme over the past few weeks. Hoping to take a step forward after last night. We didn’t do that.”UP NEXTRoyals RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.29 ERA) takes the mound. The Marlins will call up RHP Valente Bellozo for his major league debut in Wednesday afternoon’s series finale.

⚾ Royals lose Tuesday in Kansas City 

WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge couldn’t keep up in the second half season opener in an 8-6 defeat against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Riverfront Stadium. Wind Surge pitchers gave up a trio of home runs, with each thrower allowing one in the slugfest contest.

Carson McCusker&nbsp;reached on an infield error and later came home to score on a&nbsp;Luke Keaschall&nbsp;sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third. Luca Tresh tied the game in the opening half of the fourth on his sixth home run of the season that scraped the wall onto the left-field berm.

Aaron Sabato&nbsp;made sure that the game wasn’t a 1-1 tie for long by slugging a two-run home run into the Wichita bullpen on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the fourth inning for his eighth round-tripper of the season and his Texas League-leading seventh in June.

Northwest Arkansas seemed to like the new scoring competition because they brought in three runs in the top of the fifth on a pair of singles by Tyler Tolbert and Gavin Cross and a sacrifice fly to right by Rodolfo Durán on an eventual inning-ending double play that finished after the runner stepped on home plate.

Wichita matched the Naturals with three runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;connected on a ground ball that dribbled into left field on an error, and&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;turned on the jets to score from second. One pitch later,&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;smoked a two-run double to the left-center alley, where Sabato and Fedko both crossed the plate in a new 6-4 Wichita lead.

Gavin Cross tied the game with a two-run blast to right-center field, his eighth of the season, before the stretch a half inning later. After the stretch and a scoreless Wind Surge seventh, Tresh then hit his second solo homer of the night in the top of the eighth to put the Naturals ahead 7-6.

Javier Vaz singled up the middle to score Valera, who led off the top of the ninth with a triple from third to improve the Northwest Arkansas advantage to two tallies. Wichita put the tying run on base with one out in the bottom of the frame before the following two batters struck out and popped out in the infield to end the game.

John Stankiewicz&nbsp;dropped to 1-3 on the season after two earned runs on four hits opposite three strikeouts in the final two innings of the ballgame.

The Wind Surge continue the series at Riverfront Stadium against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Wednesday, June 26, with a 12:05 PM first pitch on Summer Camp Day. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>, or watch them online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719374800484.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge lose to Northwest Arkansas 8-6" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge lose to Northwest Arkansas 8-6</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—The Wichita Wind Surge couldn’t keep up in the second half season opener in an 8-6 defeat against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Riverfront Stadium. Wind Surge pitchers gave up a trio of home runs, with each thrower allowing one in the slugfest contest.Carson McCusker&nbsp;reached on an infield error and later came home to score on a&nbsp;Luke Keaschall&nbsp;sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third. Luca Tresh tied the game in the opening half of the fourth on his sixth home run of the season that scraped the wall onto the left-field berm.Aaron Sabato&nbsp;made sure that the game wasn’t a 1-1 tie for long by slugging a two-run home run into the Wichita bullpen on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the fourth inning for his eighth round-tripper of the season and his Texas League-leading seventh in June.Northwest Arkansas seemed to like the new scoring competition because they brought in three runs in the top of the fifth on a pair of singles by Tyler Tolbert and Gavin Cross and a sacrifice fly to right by Rodolfo Durán on an eventual inning-ending double play that finished after the runner stepped on home plate.Wichita matched the Naturals with three runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth.&nbsp;Kyler Fedko&nbsp;connected on a ground ball that dribbled into left field on an error, and&nbsp;Jeferson Morales&nbsp;turned on the jets to score from second. One pitch later,&nbsp;Noah Cardenas&nbsp;smoked a two-run double to the left-center alley, where Sabato and Fedko both crossed the plate in a new 6-4 Wichita lead.Gavin Cross tied the game with a two-run blast to right-center field, his eighth of the season, before the stretch a half inning later. After the stretch and a scoreless Wind Surge seventh, Tresh then hit his second solo homer of the night in the top of the eighth to put the Naturals ahead 7-6.Javier Vaz singled up the middle to score Valera, who led off the top of the ninth with a triple from third to improve the Northwest Arkansas advantage to two tallies. Wichita put the tying run on base with one out in the bottom of the frame before the following two batters struck out and popped out in the infield to end the game.John Stankiewicz&nbsp;dropped to 1-3 on the season after two earned runs on four hits opposite three strikeouts in the final two innings of the ballgame.The Wind Surge continue the series at Riverfront Stadium against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Wednesday, June 26, with a 12:05 PM first pitch on Summer Camp Day. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>, or watch them online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

⚾ Wind Surge start second half of season with a loss

<a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=615153">BOXSCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Somehow, someway, the Hutchinson Monarchs found a way to win on EAGLE Night Tuesday. The Monarchs scored 11 runs in the bottom of the eighth to erase a six-run deficit to defeat the visiting Aviators.

The win didn't come without controversy. Hutch cut the lead to four when Blake Bradford was called out for interference on the base paths.

The hit barrage kept coming and forced a rare Haysville throwing error. The Monarchs took advantage of the error to send 15 batters to the plate in the bottom of the eighth.

Jaden Gustafson continued to come up with big hits with three RBI's on 2-for-4 hitting. Cooper Wesslund also knocked in three runs, going 2-for-5.

Blake Bradford homered to give the Monarchs the lead 2-1 in the fourth inning before the Aviators regained the lead, scoring three runs in the top of the fifth.

Camden Cornelius came on in relief to get the win. Reed Scott came on to close out the ninth after the first two batters got on with walks . Scott forced an infield-fly-rule out and then the Monarch's Sacket caught a rocket and doubled up the runner that was at second base for the final out with the double-play.

The evening started with an exhibition of 1860's baseball by the Hutchinson Baseball Club going five fun innings, showing the crowd of 70-plus that braved the heat how the game was played a couple centuries back.

Tuesday was also EAGLE Radio Night for <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9</a>, <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">My 93-1</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW</a>. General Manager Matt Althouse threw out the first pitch. EAGLE Radio is the parent company of Hutch Post.

Hutch (12-5) will match up with the Aviators (14-5) Wednesday night with first pitch set for 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719373027347.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=615153">BOXSCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Somehow, someway, the Hutchinson Monarchs found a way to win on EAGLE Night Tuesday. The Monarchs scored 11 runs in the bottom of the eighth to erase a six-run deficit to defeat the visiting Aviators.The win didn't come without controversy. Hutch cut the lead to four when Blake Bradford was called out for interference on the base paths.The hit barrage kept coming and forced a rare Haysville throwing error. The Monarchs took advantage of the error to send 15 batters to the plate in the bottom of the eighth.Jaden Gustafson continued to come up with big hits with three RBI's on 2-for-4 hitting. Cooper Wesslund also knocked in three runs, going 2-for-5.Blake Bradford homered to give the Monarchs the lead 2-1 in the fourth inning before the Aviators regained the lead, scoring three runs in the top of the fifth.Camden Cornelius came on in relief to get the win. Reed Scott came on to close out the ninth after the first two batters got on with walks . Scott forced an infield-fly-rule out and then the Monarch's Sacket caught a rocket and doubled up the runner that was at second base for the final out with the double-play.The evening started with an exhibition of 1860's baseball by the Hutchinson Baseball Club going five fun innings, showing the crowd of 70-plus that braved the heat how the game was played a couple centuries back.Tuesday was also EAGLE Radio Night for <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country 102.9</a>, <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KHMY2">My 93-1</a> and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/v5/KWBW">KWBW</a>. General Manager Matt Althouse threw out the first pitch. EAGLE Radio is the parent company of Hutch Post.Hutch (12-5) will match up with the Aviators (14-5) Wednesday night with first pitch set for 7.

⚾  Monarchs get 11-run rally in 8th on EAGLE Night

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719337547978.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
 
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas Athletics launched a new digital experience on the Kansas Jayhawks Mobile App presented by Meritrust Credit Union on Monday, serving as the mobile home for all things Kansas Jayhawks.
The newly launched mobile app, in partnership with FanThreeSixty, features upgrades to user experience and gameday enhancements, while providing news, stats and schedules, video, audio and more for all 16 Kansas Jayhawks sports.
The Kansas Jayhawks Mobile App is available on the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kansas-jayhawks/id1527074805" style="color: transparent;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Apple App Store</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.wmt.mobile.android.kuathletics&hl=en_US" style="color: transparent;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Google Play</a>. <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kansas-jayhawks/id1527074805" style="color: transparent;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Click here to download now</a>.
Fans who already have the &ldquo;Kansas Jayhawks&rdquo; Mobile App can update to the latest version in the Apple App and Google Play stores. To download the app for the first time, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play, or search &ldquo;Kansas Jayhawks&rdquo; in your device&rsquo;s app store.
Fans are encouraged to enable push notifications for instant updates on their favorite Jayhawk teams, score updates, promotions and gameday information.
Supporters can access the Kansas Jayhawks mobile app 24/7 for fan guides, schedules, rosters, access their mobile tickets and more. The Kansas Jayhawks mobile app will&nbsp;stream live audio on the Jayhawk Sports Network&nbsp;and fans can also participate in polls,&nbsp;trivia and more for exclusive contests and giveaways.
&nbsp;Enhanced Kansas Jayhawks Mobile App Features:
<ul style="text-align: start;color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Personalized Newsfeed: Follow your favorite teams, and instantly get the latest news at the touch of your fingertips.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Notifications: Set custom team notifications for breaking news, ticket specials, event announcements, game scores and more.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Shopping Experience: Browse our official team store for all the latest gear and purchase tickets to experience the thrill of Gameday this season.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Gameday Information: Stay up to date with the latest Kansas Jayhawks gameday information and have exclusive access to a light show, FanCam and more.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Scores and Schedules: Follow along with the latest scores and schedules.</li>
 <li style="color: rgb(30, 31, 33);font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">Mobile Ticketing: Search, purchase, manage and access your tickets at the touch of your fingertips.</li>
</ul>
FanThreeSixty is a technology development group located in Kansas City. Comprised of tech veterans and sports enthusiasts, their approach to enriching fan data allows teams to create valuable insights and intentional activations for their whole fanbase. To learn more about FanThreeSixty, <a href="https://www.fanthreesixty.com/" style="color: transparent;font-size: 16px;border: 0px;">click here</a>.</div>

Kansas Athletics launches new mobile app

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, June 25th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher for Tuesday, June 25th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="June 25th, 2024 Early Sports Report" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gbctg-164f3a8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 LISTEN: ⚾ Royals get back in win column; ⚾ Tennessee wins NCAA Championship; ⚾ Monarchs win over Bat Cats

AP Sports Summary for Tuesday, June 25th, 2024:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 to win for the first time in a month, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 for just their fourth win in 15 games. Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz, who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings. Ragans allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.

DETROIT (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies turned a rare 1-3-5 triple play to snuff out a possible Detroit Tigers. Trailing 4-0, the Tigers had a chance to get something going when Zach McKinstry and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back singles to start the third inning, putting runners on the corners. Matt Vierling hit a broken-bat liner back to Aaron Nola, who tossed to Bryce Harper to double Kelly off first. McKinstry had never stopped running, so Harper flipped to Alec Bohm to finish the triple play. Major League Baseball says it's the first 1-3-5 triple play in the majors since the Tigers turned one against the Red Sox on July 11, 1929.

CHICAGO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been shut down for a week after experiencing lingering soreness in his comeback from left shoulder surgery. Manager Dave Roberts says the 36-year-old Kershaw had an MRI that “showed no new incidents." Roberts says the team is confident this is just “a blip.” Kershaw had surgery in November, a month after he recorded just one out in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against Arizona. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner re-signed with Los Angeles in February, staying with his only big league club.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Christian Moore hit a leadoff homer, Dylan Dreiling went deep for the third time in three games and Tennessee won its first national championship in baseball with a 6-5 victory over Texas A&amp;M in Game 3 of the College World Series finals. The Volunteers bounced back from a Game 1 loss to win two straight and become the first No. 1 national seed in the NCAA Tournament to win the title since Miami in 1999. Tennessee held an Aggies’ offense averaging 8.5 runs per game for the season to six runs over the last 20 innings of the finals.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — There was no collapse. The Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup champions for the first time, and they took about the hardest path possible to the title. Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals, Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves and the Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Monday night in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. It was the third title-round appearance in Florida’s 30-year history; it was swept in 1996 by Colorado and routed 4-1 by Vegas last season. This time, they were on the right side of history — after avoiding what would have been a historic collapse.

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Connor McDavid has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP despite he and the Edmonton Oilers losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers in seven games. McDavid was the biggest reason the Oilers fought back from a 3-0 series deficit to get to Game 7. He was the first player to have consecutive four-point games in the final. His 42 points led all scorers in the NHL postseason and were five shy of the record of 47 set by Wayne Gretzky in 1985.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs on Monday after two recent arrests in Alabama. The 27-year-old Buggs turned himself in May 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Two dogs that were under Buggs’ care were allegedly found neglected and malnourished. One of the dogs had to be euthanized. On June 16, Buggs was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond. He signed a nearly $1.3 million contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season. He previously played for Pittsburgh and Detroit.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Olympic champion Athing Mu’s hopes for a repeat title came crashing down during the first lap of the 800-meter final at U.S. track trials. Racing in the middle of the pack, Mu got tangled up with a bunched pack of runners and went crashing to the ground. She got back to her feet and finished, but was more than 22 seconds behind the winner, Nia Akins. Mu headed quickly off the track and through the tunnel after the race. The Olympic trials were her first meet of the year after dealing with injuries all season.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Klay Thompson has been a pillar of the Golden State Warriors dynasty that won four NBA titles the past decade. Whether he will be part of the franchise as the team looks to rebound after missing the playoffs remains unknown. Thompson is set to become a free agent on July 1 as the two sides have been unable to agree on an extension to keep Stephen Curry’s Splash Brothers running mate on the team. General manager Nike Dunleavy said he's hopeful he can retain Thompson but negotiations are ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, June 25th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, June 25th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Tuesday, June 25th, 2024:KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Cole Ragans struck out 11 to win for the first time in a month, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 for just their fourth win in 15 games. Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz, who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings. Ragans allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.DETROIT (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies turned a rare 1-3-5 triple play to snuff out a possible Detroit Tigers. Trailing 4-0, the Tigers had a chance to get something going when Zach McKinstry and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back singles to start the third inning, putting runners on the corners. Matt Vierling hit a broken-bat liner back to Aaron Nola, who tossed to Bryce Harper to double Kelly off first. McKinstry had never stopped running, so Harper flipped to Alec Bohm to finish the triple play. Major League Baseball says it's the first 1-3-5 triple play in the majors since the Tigers turned one against the Red Sox on July 11, 1929.CHICAGO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been shut down for a week after experiencing lingering soreness in his comeback from left shoulder surgery. Manager Dave Roberts says the 36-year-old Kershaw had an MRI that “showed no new incidents." Roberts says the team is confident this is just “a blip.” Kershaw had surgery in November, a month after he recorded just one out in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against Arizona. The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner re-signed with Los Angeles in February, staying with his only big league club.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Christian Moore hit a leadoff homer, Dylan Dreiling went deep for the third time in three games and Tennessee won its first national championship in baseball with a 6-5 victory over Texas A&amp;M in Game 3 of the College World Series finals. The Volunteers bounced back from a Game 1 loss to win two straight and become the first No. 1 national seed in the NCAA Tournament to win the title since Miami in 1999. Tennessee held an Aggies’ offense averaging 8.5 runs per game for the season to six runs over the last 20 innings of the finals.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — There was no collapse. The Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup champions for the first time, and they took about the hardest path possible to the title. Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe scored goals, Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves and the Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 on Monday night in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. It was the third title-round appearance in Florida’s 30-year history; it was swept in 1996 by Colorado and routed 4-1 by Vegas last season. This time, they were on the right side of history — after avoiding what would have been a historic collapse.SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Connor McDavid has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP despite he and the Edmonton Oilers losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers in seven games. McDavid was the biggest reason the Oilers fought back from a 3-0 series deficit to get to Game 7. He was the first player to have consecutive four-point games in the final. His 42 points led all scorers in the NHL postseason and were five shy of the record of 47 set by Wayne Gretzky in 1985.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs on Monday after two recent arrests in Alabama. The 27-year-old Buggs turned himself in May 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Two dogs that were under Buggs’ care were allegedly found neglected and malnourished. One of the dogs had to be euthanized. On June 16, Buggs was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond. He signed a nearly $1.3 million contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season. He previously played for Pittsburgh and Detroit.EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Olympic champion Athing Mu’s hopes for a repeat title came crashing down during the first lap of the 800-meter final at U.S. track trials. Racing in the middle of the pack, Mu got tangled up with a bunched pack of runners and went crashing to the ground. She got back to her feet and finished, but was more than 22 seconds behind the winner, Nia Akins. Mu headed quickly off the track and through the tunnel after the race. The Olympic trials were her first meet of the year after dealing with injuries all season.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Klay Thompson has been a pillar of the Golden State Warriors dynasty that won four NBA titles the past decade. Whether he will be part of the franchise as the team looks to rebound after missing the playoffs remains unknown. Thompson is set to become a free agent on July 1 as the two sides have been unable to agree on an extension to keep Stephen Curry’s Splash Brothers running mate on the team. General manager Nike Dunleavy said he's hopeful he can retain Thompson but negotiations are ongoing.

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

06/24/24 Kansas City Royals designated LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/641394">Jake Brentz</a>&nbsp;for assignment.

06/24/24 Kansas City Royals placed 2B&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/624428">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 23, 2024 for a right thumb sprain.

06/24/24 Kansas City Royals activated 2B&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/686681">Michael Massey</a>&nbsp;from the 10-day injured list.

06/24/24 Kansas City Royals optioned OF&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/676369">Nelson Velázquez</a>&nbsp;to Omaha Storm Chasers.

06/24/24 Kansas City Royals selected the contract of 3B&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/680769">CJ Alexander</a>&nbsp;from Omaha Storm Chasers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alexander went 0 for 3 Monday night in the Royals win over Miami.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/royals-injuries-and-roster-moves">Via MLB.com</a>06/24/24 Kansas City Royals designated LHP&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/641394">Jake Brentz</a>&nbsp;for assignment. 06/24/24 Kansas City Royals placed 2B&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/624428">Adam Frazier</a>&nbsp;on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 23, 2024 for a right thumb sprain. 06/24/24 Kansas City Royals activated 2B&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/686681">Michael Massey</a>&nbsp;from the 10-day injured list. 06/24/24 Kansas City Royals optioned OF&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/676369">Nelson Velázquez</a>&nbsp;to Omaha Storm Chasers.06/24/24 Kansas City Royals selected the contract of 3B&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/680769">CJ Alexander</a>&nbsp;from Omaha Storm Chasers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexander went 0 for 3 Monday night in the Royals win over Miami.

⚾ Royals make roster moves Monday

<a href="https://taborbluejays.com/news/2024/6/24/mens-cross-country-tabor-tabs-jonathon-wood-to-lead-cross-country-program.aspx">Via TaborBluejays.com</a>

HILLSBORO, Kan. — Tabor College Director of Athletics David Ediger has announced that Jonathon Wood will be the next Head Coach of the Bluejay Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs. Wood will also serve as an Assistant Track &amp; Field Coach.

Wood makes his way to Hillsboro after serving as the Head Cross Country and Track &amp; Field Coach at Berryville High School in Berryville, Ark. While at Berryville, Wood coached two top 10 finishers at the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) 4A State Championship Meet on the Cross Country side. On the track side, both men’s and women’s 4X800 relay teams qualified for the AAA 4A State Track Meet in both seasons Wood was at the helm of the program, with both teams finishing in the top 10 at this year’s State Championship as well.

While coaching at Berryville, Wood had a major hand in helping host the Berryville Bobcat Back 40, the school’s home cross country meet. Last year’s meet consisted of over 600 participants, ranging from the elementary school level up through the high school level. The meet also helped the school and the district raise over $1000.

In addition to his coaching duties at Berryville High School, Wood also served in the Berryville School District, instructing and designing plans for all fourth grade students in the district with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Wood earned his bachelor’s degree in health science with minors in philosophy and environmental science in 2020 from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. While at UO, Wood competed on the Men’s Cross Country and Track &amp; Field teams. In his first season as an Eagle, Wood was named Runner of the Week for the American Southwest Conference (ASC) on October 23rd, 2016, and was also named as the 2016-17 University of the Ozarks Male Cross Country MVP and finished 3rd in the men’s steeplechase at the ASC Track &amp; Field Championship Meet in the spring of that year. Wood was also named Male Cross Country Captain for the 2017-18 season. While at the University of the Ozarks, Wood and Aaron Capehart, who was recently named the Tabor College Head Track &amp; Field Coach, were teammates for two seasons.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Wood pursued a master’s degree at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Ark., and graduated with a master’s in special education from SAU in 2022.

“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to help these athletes grow, both spiritually and competitively”, remarked Wood. “The program really took a step forward this past season and I intend to keep us going in the right direction and I hope to match and exceed the expectations for the team this season.”

Wood also expressed his excitement about getting to reunite and work with Coach Capehart, “It’s really exciting to know the person that I am going to be working with. We were actually training partners in college, and we were really good friends in college.”

“Both of us went to a similar college to Tabor, so I think that we are somewhat familiar with the type of program that Tabor is and we both believe in that model of college, I think it is the best for students, getting to combine the two things I love the most (faith and running).”

“We are excited to have Coach Wood join the staff at Tabor College as our next head cross country and assistant track and field coach”, stated Tabor College Director of Athletics David Ediger. “His energy and excitement for cross country is evident and he is eager to get started. We welcome him to the Tabor family!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719312087096.jpeg" alt="Tabor Cross Country Coach Jonathon Wood" />
 <figcaption>Tabor Cross Country Coach Jonathon Wood</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://taborbluejays.com/news/2024/6/24/mens-cross-country-tabor-tabs-jonathon-wood-to-lead-cross-country-program.aspx">Via TaborBluejays.com</a>HILLSBORO, Kan. — Tabor College Director of Athletics David Ediger has announced that Jonathon Wood will be the next Head Coach of the Bluejay Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs. Wood will also serve as an Assistant Track &amp; Field Coach.Wood makes his way to Hillsboro after serving as the Head Cross Country and Track &amp; Field Coach at Berryville High School in Berryville, Ark. While at Berryville, Wood coached two top 10 finishers at the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) 4A State Championship Meet on the Cross Country side. On the track side, both men’s and women’s 4X800 relay teams qualified for the AAA 4A State Track Meet in both seasons Wood was at the helm of the program, with both teams finishing in the top 10 at this year’s State Championship as well.While coaching at Berryville, Wood had a major hand in helping host the Berryville Bobcat Back 40, the school’s home cross country meet. Last year’s meet consisted of over 600 participants, ranging from the elementary school level up through the high school level. The meet also helped the school and the district raise over $1000.In addition to his coaching duties at Berryville High School, Wood also served in the Berryville School District, instructing and designing plans for all fourth grade students in the district with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).Wood earned his bachelor’s degree in health science with minors in philosophy and environmental science in 2020 from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. While at UO, Wood competed on the Men’s Cross Country and Track &amp; Field teams. In his first season as an Eagle, Wood was named Runner of the Week for the American Southwest Conference (ASC) on October 23rd, 2016, and was also named as the 2016-17 University of the Ozarks Male Cross Country MVP and finished 3rd in the men’s steeplechase at the ASC Track &amp; Field Championship Meet in the spring of that year. Wood was also named Male Cross Country Captain for the 2017-18 season. While at the University of the Ozarks, Wood and Aaron Capehart, who was recently named the Tabor College Head Track &amp; Field Coach, were teammates for two seasons.After earning his bachelor’s degree, Wood pursued a master’s degree at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Ark., and graduated with a master’s in special education from SAU in 2022.“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to help these athletes grow, both spiritually and competitively”, remarked Wood. “The program really took a step forward this past season and I intend to keep us going in the right direction and I hope to match and exceed the expectations for the team this season.”Wood also expressed his excitement about getting to reunite and work with Coach Capehart, “It’s really exciting to know the person that I am going to be working with. We were actually training partners in college, and we were really good friends in college.”“Both of us went to a similar college to Tabor, so I think that we are somewhat familiar with the type of program that Tabor is and we both believe in that model of college, I think it is the best for students, getting to combine the two things I love the most (faith and running).”“We are excited to have Coach Wood join the staff at Tabor College as our next head cross country and assistant track and field coach”, stated Tabor College Director of Athletics David Ediger. “His energy and excitement for cross country is evident and he is eager to get started. We welcome him to the Tabor family!”

👟 Tabor hires Wood to lead Cross Country programs

Prior to the Monarchs vs Aviators game, come out at 5:15pm to watch the Vintage Hutchinson Baseball Club show how it was done back in the 1860's or before as they put on a two-inning exhibition. First pitch around 5:15 or 5:30pm.

The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719286435797.png" alt="Game Day vs Aviators&nbsp; on Tuesday, June 25th at 7pm" />
 <figcaption>Game Day vs Aviators&nbsp; on Tuesday, June 25th at 7pm</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Haysville Aviators at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Monday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.Prior to the Monarchs vs Aviators game, come out at 5:15pm to watch the Vintage Hutchinson Baseball Club show how it was done back in the 1860's or before as they put on a two-inning exhibition. First pitch around 5:15 or 5:30pm.The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1106098?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1106099?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ WATCH LIVE! Hutch Monarchs host Aviators

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Tony Vitello jumped into the stands to share a group hug with the legion of Tennessee fans who invaded Omaha. His players ran a lap around the warning track high-fiving them. Kavares Tears squatted in right field taking in the moment with a towel over his eyes.

Tennessee at long last won its first national championship in baseball.

Christian Moore hit a leadoff homer, Dylan Dreiling went deep for the third time in three games and Tennessee survived anxious moments late to take the title with a 6-5 victory over Texas A&amp;M on Monday night in Game 3 of the College World Series finals.

The Volunteers bounced back from a Game 1 loss to win two straight and become the first No. 1 national seed in the NCAA Tournament to win the title since Miami in 1999.

“Kids are tough these days. They will do what you ask them to do,” said Vitello, the Vols’ seventh-year coach. “I know our fans got us through that tough inning. That was a group effort on the mound. If you’re in the SEC, you’re going to be a superstar player, but you need to be a good teammate, and that’s what these guys were.”

Tennessee (60-13) held an Aggies team averaging 8.5 runs per game for the season to six runs over the last 20 innings of the finals, with Zander Sechrist and Nate Snead doing the heavy lifting on Monday before Texas A&amp;M came back to score four runs and get the tying run at the plate in the ninth.

Aaron Combs struck out Hayden Schott and Ted Burton to end the game and set off a Tennessee celebration behind the pitcher’s mound.

Tennessee had made runs at the title before. The Vols reached the CWS in 2021 and went 0-2. The next year they were the No. 1 national seed and lost at home in a three-game super regional. They were back in Omaha last year and won a game. And they slugged their way back again this year, making it to the finals for the first time since the 1951 team lost to Oklahoma in the championship game.

Minutes after the final pitch, the 45-year-old Vitello shared an embrace with his father, Greg, a longtime state champion high school baseball and soccer coach in St. Louis.

“I felt like I was the dad and he was the kid because he wouldn’t stop crying,” Vitello said. “I had to rub some dirt on him.”

The Vols are the eighth Southeastern Conference school to win a national title in baseball. Those eight have combined for 16 titles. The SEC has won five in a row, all by different schools, and 10 of the last 15.

Texas A&amp;M threatened to cut into a 3-1 deficit in the sixth and seventh innings, but Snead got the Vols out of trouble both times.

Dreiling, the CWS Most Outstanding Player, connected for his 23rd homer of the season and Hunter Ensley evaded Jackson Appel’s tag at the plate as he scored on Tears’ double to make it 6-1 going to the eighth. Since the CWS best-of-three finals began in 2003, Dreiling is the only player to homer in three games.

“I kind of blacked out again in the moment,” Dreiling said. “I know first pitch I overswung on a heater way up. I told myself just see the ball deep and put a good swing on something. He gave me a changeup over the middle. I tried to stay back and put a good swing on it.”

The Vols’ two homers Monday moved them into a tie with the 1998 LSU team for most in an NCAA Tournament (37) and gave them 184 for the season, four behind the 1997 LSU team’s NCAA record of 188.

Texas A&amp;M created some anxiety for the Vols in the eighth, scoring twice and threatening to get more with two runners on base with one out. Kirby Connell got two strikes, pumped his left fist twice coming off the mound, gave a primal scream and skipped over the third-base line on his way back to the dugout.

The Aggies scored twice in the ninth, the second run coming home on a wild pitch, to make it a one-run game before Combs finished it off.

“Tough one to swallow,” Aggies coach Jim Schlossnagle said. “You make it this far, you want to win your last game.”

Among the fans on hand in Tennessee orange were football great Peyton Manning, football coach Josh Heupel, men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes and country music artist Morgan Wallen. Temperature at first pitch was a humid 98 degrees.

Moore took Tennessee fans’ minds off the heat, at least for a moment, when he drove Justin Lamkin’s fourth pitch, an elevated fastball, off the back wall of the left-field bullpen for his team-leading 34th homer of the season.

The Aggies overcame late-season injuries, including one to star outfielder Braden Montgomery, to reach their first CWS finals. Their 53 wins were their most since 1993.

“I think Texas A&amp;M is a place that should be competing in the SEC. Should be competing to host regionals. And everybody thinks that Omaha is a right. It’s not,” Schlossnagle said. “You have to earn your way there and have you to play well in the NCAA Tournament.”

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Tony Vitello jumped into the stands to share a group hug with the legion of Tennessee fans who invaded Omaha. His players ran a lap around the warning track high-fiving them. Kavares Tears squatted in right field taking in the moment with a towel over his eyes.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DYLAN DREILING. OMAHA LEGEND. The 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCWS</a> Most Outstanding Player. <a href="https://t.co/YmJw2SDiaw">pic.twitter.com/YmJw2SDiaw</a>&mdash; Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball/status/1805434764611960920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Tennessee at long last won its first national championship in baseball.Christian Moore hit a leadoff homer, Dylan Dreiling went deep for the third time in three games and Tennessee survived anxious moments late to take the title with a 6-5 victory over Texas A&amp;M on Monday night in Game 3 of the College World Series finals.The Volunteers bounced back from a Game 1 loss to win two straight and become the first No. 1 national seed in the NCAA Tournament to win the title since Miami in 1999.“Kids are tough these days. They will do what you ask them to do,” said Vitello, the Vols’ seventh-year coach. “I know our fans got us through that tough inning. That was a group effort on the mound. If you’re in the SEC, you’re going to be a superstar player, but you need to be a good teammate, and that’s what these guys were.”Tennessee (60-13) held an Aggies team averaging 8.5 runs per game for the season to six runs over the last 20 innings of the finals, with Zander Sechrist and Nate Snead doing the heavy lifting on Monday before Texas A&amp;M came back to score four runs and get the tying run at the plate in the ninth.Aaron Combs struck out Hayden Schott and Ted Burton to end the game and set off a Tennessee celebration behind the pitcher’s mound.Tennessee had made runs at the title before. The Vols reached the CWS in 2021 and went 0-2. The next year they were the No. 1 national seed and lost at home in a three-game super regional. They were back in Omaha last year and won a game. And they slugged their way back again this year, making it to the finals for the first time since the 1951 team lost to Oklahoma in the championship game.Minutes after the final pitch, the 45-year-old Vitello shared an embrace with his father, Greg, a longtime state champion high school baseball and soccer coach in St. Louis.“I felt like I was the dad and he was the kid because he wouldn’t stop crying,” Vitello said. “I had to rub some dirt on him.”The Vols are the eighth Southeastern Conference school to win a national title in baseball. Those eight have combined for 16 titles. The SEC has won five in a row, all by different schools, and 10 of the last 15.Texas A&amp;M threatened to cut into a 3-1 deficit in the sixth and seventh innings, but Snead got the Vols out of trouble both times.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHO ELSE?!?! MR. CLUTCH!! 📺 <a href="https://t.co/57mSIippEi">https://t.co/57mSIippEi</a> (ESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBO</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OTH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OTH</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCWS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCWS</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeatTAMU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeatTAMU</a> <a href="https://t.co/l3KUqT9jWl">pic.twitter.com/l3KUqT9jWl</a>&mdash; Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vol_Baseball/status/1805415660329095502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Dreiling, the CWS Most Outstanding Player, connected for his 23rd homer of the season and Hunter Ensley evaded Jackson Appel’s tag at the plate as he scored on Tears’ double to make it 6-1 going to the eighth. Since the CWS best-of-three finals began in 2003, Dreiling is the only player to homer in three games.“I kind of blacked out again in the moment,” Dreiling said. “I know first pitch I overswung on a heater way up. I told myself just see the ball deep and put a good swing on something. He gave me a changeup over the middle. I tried to stay back and put a good swing on it.”The Vols’ two homers Monday moved them into a tie with the 1998 LSU team for most in an NCAA Tournament (37) and gave them 184 for the season, four behind the 1997 LSU team’s NCAA record of 188.Texas A&amp;M created some anxiety for the Vols in the eighth, scoring twice and threatening to get more with two runners on base with one out. Kirby Connell got two strikes, pumped his left fist twice coming off the mound, gave a primal scream and skipped over the third-base line on his way back to the dugout.The Aggies scored twice in the ninth, the second run coming home on a wild pitch, to make it a one-run game before Combs finished it off.“Tough one to swallow,” Aggies coach Jim Schlossnagle said. “You make it this far, you want to win your last game.”Among the fans on hand in Tennessee orange were football great Peyton Manning, football coach Josh Heupel, men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes and country music artist Morgan Wallen. Temperature at first pitch was a humid 98 degrees.Moore took Tennessee fans’ minds off the heat, at least for a moment, when he drove Justin Lamkin’s fourth pitch, an elevated fastball, off the back wall of the left-field bullpen for his team-leading 34th homer of the season.The Aggies overcame late-season injuries, including one to star outfielder Braden Montgomery, to reach their first CWS finals. Their 53 wins were their most since 1993.“I think Texas A&amp;M is a place that should be competing in the SEC. Should be competing to host regionals. And everybody thinks that Omaha is a right. It’s not,” Schlossnagle said. “You have to earn your way there and have you to play well in the NCAA Tournament.”

⚾ Kan. native Most Outstanding Player as Tennessee wins national title

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;struck out 11 for his first win in a month, and the&nbsp;Kansas City Royals&nbsp;beat the&nbsp;Miami Marlins&nbsp;4-1 on Monday night for just their fourth win in 15 games.

Vinnie Pasquantino,&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hunter Renfroe&nbsp;hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz (1-3), who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings.

Ragans (5-5) allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.

“Change up was good,” Ragans said. “Got some good swing-and-miss on it, got some pop ups with it. Overall, I commanded it pretty well.”

“When he can get ahead and attack, that’s when you see a lot of swing-and-miss,” Royals interim manager Paul Hoover said. “A team that hasn’t seen him and he’s executing four different pitches for strikes. That’s tough on any lineup.”

Kansas City pitchers struck out a season-high 15.

Chris Stratton,&nbsp;John Schreiber&nbsp;and&nbsp;James McArthur&nbsp;each followed with a hitless inning as the Marlins were held to four hits or fewest for the 12th time.

McArthur got his 13th save in 17 chances as the Royals stopped a three-game losing streak.

“It’s tough to win when you score one run,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “I thought we had a chance in a couple of innings there. Just couldn’t get the big hit. Ragans is the story tonight. Just kept us off-balance all night.”

Bryan De La Cruz&nbsp;had a two-out RBI double in the third.

“My sinker was a little difficult to locate tonight,” Muñoz said. “There were some pitches that were not exactly what I wanted. I was trying to attack, be very aggressive. They were competing and they won in that situation.”

Muñoz gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in six innings.

“The problem is command catches up with him,” Schumaker said. “Putting himself in better situations, count-wise, is going to be the key to his development.”

Pasquantino led off the fourth with his eighth home run&nbsp;and&nbsp;Perez followed with his 12th on the next pitch, ending an 0-for-17 slump with the Royals’ first consecutive home runs since March 31. Kansas City, which entered with a 25-inning scoreless streak, also got Kyle Isbel’s two-out RBI single in the three-run inning.

“It wasn’t fun, but there was no panic,” Pasquantino said of the offensive slump. “What do we need to do to rectify that? Tonight was a nice step in that direction.”

Renfroe hit a 434-foot drive in the sixth&nbsp;for his seventh homer.

“It’s been a while,” Renfroe said. “It’s been a rough 10 days. Just to be able to hit a ball solid and get back into the groove of things is pretty fantastic.”

Michael Massey&nbsp;returned from a sprained lower back that had sidelined him since May 24 and was 1 for 3 as a designated hitter.

CJ Alexander, a 27-year-old who had been in the minor leagues since 2018, made his major league debut at third base for the Royals and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Kansas City selected Alexander’s contract from Omaha, optioned outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the Triple-A team and designed left-hander Jake Brentz for assignment.

Otto López had two hits for the Marlins, who are 6-14 in June.

Royals: INF&nbsp;Adam Frazier&nbsp;placed on 10-day IL (right thumb sprain), retroactive to Sunday.

Marlins RHP&nbsp;Yonny Chirinos&nbsp;(0-0, 3.60 ERA) opposes Royals RHP&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(10-2, 2.42) on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719289205777.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) —&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;struck out 11 for his first win in a month, and the&nbsp;Kansas City Royals&nbsp;beat the&nbsp;Miami Marlins&nbsp;4-1 on Monday night for just their fourth win in 15 games.Vinnie Pasquantino,&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hunter Renfroe&nbsp;hit solo homers off Roddery Muñoz (1-3), who has allowed six home runs in his last 10 innings.Ragans (5-5) allowed one run, four hits and three walks in six innings. He had been 0-2 in five starts since beating Detroit on May 22.“Change up was good,” Ragans said. “Got some good swing-and-miss on it, got some pop ups with it. Overall, I commanded it pretty well.”“When he can get ahead and attack, that’s when you see a lot of swing-and-miss,” Royals interim manager Paul Hoover said. “A team that hasn’t seen him and he’s executing four different pitches for strikes. That’s tough on any lineup.”Kansas City pitchers struck out a season-high 15.Chris Stratton,&nbsp;John Schreiber&nbsp;and&nbsp;James McArthur&nbsp;each followed with a hitless inning as the Marlins were held to four hits or fewest for the 12th time.McArthur got his 13th save in 17 chances as the Royals stopped a three-game losing streak.“It’s tough to win when you score one run,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “I thought we had a chance in a couple of innings there. Just couldn’t get the big hit. Ragans is the story tonight. Just kept us off-balance all night.”Bryan De La Cruz&nbsp;had a two-out RBI double in the third.“My sinker was a little difficult to locate tonight,” Muñoz said. “There were some pitches that were not exactly what I wanted. I was trying to attack, be very aggressive. They were competing and they won in that situation.”Muñoz gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in six innings.“The problem is command catches up with him,” Schumaker said. “Putting himself in better situations, count-wise, is going to be the key to his development.”Pasquantino led off the fourth with his eighth home run&nbsp;and&nbsp;Perez followed with his 12th on the next pitch, ending an 0-for-17 slump with the Royals’ first consecutive home runs since March 31. Kansas City, which entered with a 25-inning scoreless streak, also got Kyle Isbel’s two-out RBI single in the three-run inning.“It wasn’t fun, but there was no panic,” Pasquantino said of the offensive slump. “What do we need to do to rectify that? Tonight was a nice step in that direction.”Renfroe hit a 434-foot drive in the sixth&nbsp;for his seventh homer.“It’s been a while,” Renfroe said. “It’s been a rough 10 days. Just to be able to hit a ball solid and get back into the groove of things is pretty fantastic.”Michael Massey&nbsp;returned from a sprained lower back that had sidelined him since May 24 and was 1 for 3 as a designated hitter.CJ Alexander, a 27-year-old who had been in the minor leagues since 2018, made his major league debut at third base for the Royals and went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.Kansas City selected Alexander’s contract from Omaha, optioned outfielder Nelson Velázquez to the Triple-A team and designed left-hander Jake Brentz for assignment.Otto López had two hits for the Marlins, who are 6-14 in June.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF&nbsp;Adam Frazier&nbsp;placed on 10-day IL (right thumb sprain), retroactive to Sunday.UP NEXTMarlins RHP&nbsp;Yonny Chirinos&nbsp;(0-0, 3.60 ERA) opposes Royals RHP&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(10-2, 2.42) on Tuesday night.

⚾ Royals win Monday over Marlins

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs got big innings in both the bottom of the first inning and the seventh inning including two long home runs each by Jaden Gustafson and Nicky Sackett. Gustafson's was a 1 run shot while Sackett was a 2 run blast.

Strong pitching by Cade Toureau who went five strong innings with the start and win. Toureau had five strikeouts in those five innings he pitched.

Carson Cornelius and Reed Scott came on in relief and locked things down for the Monarchs each pitching two innings apiece.

Next action for the 11-5 Monarchs will be Tuesday night versus the Haysville Aviators with first pitch at 7pm.

Come out early and watch vintage 1860 baseball two inning exhibition by the Hutchinson Baseball Club teams beginning between 5:15 and 5:30pm.

Tuesday night is Eagle Media night with the monarchs so stop by the Eagle table for some giveaways.

Both the Vintage exhibition and Monarchs game will be streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com </a>and on the <a href="http://monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719285490923.png" alt="FINAL - Great Bend BAT CATS VS MONARCHS&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>FINAL - Great Bend BAT CATS VS MONARCHS&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson Monarchs got big innings in both the bottom of the first inning and the seventh inning including two long home runs each by Jaden Gustafson and Nicky Sackett. Gustafson's was a 1 run shot while Sackett was a 2 run blast.Strong pitching by Cade Toureau who went five strong innings with the start and win. Toureau had five strikeouts in those five innings he pitched.Carson Cornelius and Reed Scott came on in relief and locked things down for the Monarchs each pitching two innings apiece.Next action for the 11-5 Monarchs will be Tuesday night versus the Haysville Aviators with first pitch at 7pm.Come out early and watch vintage 1860 baseball two inning exhibition by the Hutchinson Baseball Club teams beginning between 5:15 and 5:30pm.Tuesday night is Eagle Media night with the monarchs so stop by the Eagle table for some giveaways.Both the Vintage exhibition and Monarchs game will be streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com </a>and on the <a href="http://monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> network.

⚾ Hutch Monarchs use big innings and long ball to win over Bat Cats

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three future Hutchinson Community College football players will play one final game representing their high schools, as the 51st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Game will kickoff on Saturday.

The game will begin at 7 p.m. at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.&nbsp;

DaeOnte' "Paco" Mitchell (Wichita East) and Blaise Hoover (McPherson) will each represent the West Team, while Kaleb Scott (Basehor-Linwood) will be on the East Team. Mitchell will wear jersey number&nbsp;

Mitchell will go down as one of the best to ever play in the Greater Wichita Athletic League. He finished his prep career at East as the all-time passing yards leader (7,848) and the all-time total yards leader (11,168). The dual-threat quarterback also etched his name in the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame record book for his strong senior campaign. Mitchell holds the 11-man single season passing completion percentage (82.4), and also is now the 11-man career passing completion percentage (77.6) holder.

Hoover finished up his time at McPherson High School with a bang, claiming the individual class 4A state golf title in the spring. Hoover finished off his round with a Birdie and an Eagle to claim the title by two shots. Hoover was also a big part of the Bullpups' success on the gridiron, both as a kicker and a wide receiver. Hoover racked up the all-league honors for football, as he was named the Offensive Player of the Year, plus First-Team at receiver, kicker and punter.

Scott was an explosive playmaker for the Basehor-Linwood Bobcats, on all three sides of the football. Scott returned three kickoffs for touchdowns this past fall, plus had over 800 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Scott had over 1400 all-purpose yards, the most on the team. He was named to the United Kansas Conference First-Team at defensive back.

Other area student-athletes that will be participating in the game on Saturday include Teegan Haines (McPherson), Tristen Davidson (Kingman), Mason Jones (Hutchinson), and Nick Ruth (Newton).

McPherson head coach Jace Pavlovich will serve as the head coach for the West Team.

You can find both rosters for the game by clicking <a href="https://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/roster.html">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715785398923.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Three future Hutchinson Community College football players will play one final game representing their high schools, as the 51st annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Game will kickoff on Saturday.The game will begin at 7 p.m. at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LWW1SvOYWLg?si=5PNjKUSrNeOGOa86" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>DaeOnte' "Paco" Mitchell (Wichita East) and Blaise Hoover (McPherson) will each represent the West Team, while Kaleb Scott (Basehor-Linwood) will be on the East Team. Mitchell will wear jersey number&nbsp;Mitchell will go down as one of the best to ever play in the Greater Wichita Athletic League. He finished his prep career at East as the all-time passing yards leader (7,848) and the all-time total yards leader (11,168). The dual-threat quarterback also etched his name in the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame record book for his strong senior campaign. Mitchell holds the 11-man single season passing completion percentage (82.4), and also is now the 11-man career passing completion percentage (77.6) holder.Hoover finished up his time at McPherson High School with a bang, claiming the individual class 4A state golf title in the spring. Hoover finished off his round with a Birdie and an Eagle to claim the title by two shots. Hoover was also a big part of the Bullpups' success on the gridiron, both as a kicker and a wide receiver. Hoover racked up the all-league honors for football, as he was named the Offensive Player of the Year, plus First-Team at receiver, kicker and punter.Scott was an explosive playmaker for the Basehor-Linwood Bobcats, on all three sides of the football. Scott returned three kickoffs for touchdowns this past fall, plus had over 800 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Scott had over 1400 all-purpose yards, the most on the team. He was named to the United Kansas Conference First-Team at defensive back.Other area student-athletes that will be participating in the game on Saturday include Teegan Haines (McPherson), Tristen Davidson (Kingman), Mason Jones (Hutchinson), and Nick Ruth (Newton).McPherson head coach Jace Pavlovich will serve as the head coach for the West Team.You can find both rosters for the game by clicking <a href="https://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/roster.html">here</a>.

🏈 3 future Blue Dragons to play in Kansas Shrine Bowl Game Saturday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Great Bend Bat Cats at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Monday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

This game was rescheduled from a rain out previously in early June.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719261635439.png" alt="GameDay vs Black Cats June 24th" />
 <figcaption>GameDay vs Black Cats June 24th</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The defending NBC World Series champion Hutchinson Monarchs will host the Great Bend Bat Cats at&nbsp; Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park Monday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.This game was rescheduled from a rain out previously in early June.The Monarchs are slated for 20 home games with all 20 games set to be video streamed on <a href="http://hutchpost.com">hutchpost.com</a> as well as on the <a href="http://www.monarchslive.tv">monarchslive.tv</a> channel. Glen Grunwald will have the play-by-play call with Matt Peterson providing the video stream sponsored by Mid-Way Motors.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1105947?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

⚾ WATCH LIVE! Hutch Monarchs host Great Bend

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, according to&nbsp;NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.

Buggs was arrested on a domestic violence/burglary charge and booked into Tuscaloosa County (Ala.) Jail last week. According to reports, he is still in jail.&nbsp;

He had previously been arrested in May for misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707336003255.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs, according to&nbsp;NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.Buggs was arrested on a domestic violence/burglary charge and booked into Tuscaloosa County (Ala.) Jail last week. According to reports, he is still in jail.&nbsp;He had previously been arrested in May for misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.&nbsp;

🏈 Chiefs release DL Isaiah Buggs 

GARY VANCLEAVE Special to Hutch Post

HESSTON - Gunnar Lewis knew he wasn’t a DI baseball prospect coming out of Hesston High.

“I’m blessed, it hits you early in high school that you won’t be a DI out of high school kinda guy,” the recent Swather graduate said. “So I looked in to juco options early and Butler was always my favorite. I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity.”

The all-time hits leader at Hesston chose Butler this spring.

“My goal is to have two great years and find a home at a DI spot or a great DII,” Lewis said.

The Hesston middle infielder describes himself as quick and athletic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719232241529.jpeg" alt="Hesston Swather standout Gunnar Lewis will be playing for the Butler Grizzlies next year. Photo by Pam Weaver" />
 <figcaption>Hesston Swather standout Gunnar Lewis will be playing for the Butler Grizzlies next year. Photo by Pam Weaver</figcaption>
 </figure>GARY VANCLEAVE Special to Hutch PostHESSTON - Gunnar Lewis knew he wasn’t a DI baseball prospect coming out of Hesston High.“I’m blessed, it hits you early in high school that you won’t be a DI out of high school kinda guy,” the recent Swather graduate said. “So I looked in to juco options early and Butler was always my favorite. I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity.”The all-time hits leader at Hesston chose Butler this spring.“My goal is to have two great years and find a home at a DI spot or a great DII,” Lewis said.The Hesston middle infielder describes himself as quick and athletic.“With a little power can hit a lot of doubles and have a couple leave the yard here and there,” he said. “Fast runner, aggressive on the bases and stretch singles to doubles and doubles to triples.”He ripped a program-high 112 hits in his career.“It means a lot to me,” Lewis said of the record. “Speaks volumes to being a consistent starter. I had a hit streak up to 29 games. Hesston is a young program and I’m excited to see who breaks the record.”“Passionate, attention to detail, fierce, willing and wanting to win, big time,” Gunner Goalden said of Lewis.Lewis batted .450 his senior season with 11 doubles, three triples and one home run. He started every varsity game in his career except for two because of covid. Lewis ended with a .400 career batting average with 23 doubles, 11 triples and three homers.“I would describe Gunnar Lewis as a great teammate,” Keldon Lange said. “He motivated me to work hard in practice when we would do running or a team competition. He would make sure to be the one leading and to encourage his teammates a lot. He’s a great person, too.”“I’ve always worked to better my craft,” Lewis said. “I’ve had a great hitting coach the last couple years who has really carried me to where I am today. Staying motivated and trying to love the journey instead of always thinking about the destination.”“Gunnar always makes the game fun and loose on the field and in the dugout,” summer league teammate Logan Renken of Little River said. “One of the best gap to gap hitters I have played with and he just seems to never get out. He is never tight or pressed about a situation and I think he is going to do big things at the next level.”His Swather teammates mentioned Lewis and the positivity he maintained.“He’s a great person to his teammates and he helped us out so that we would succeed and achieve new things,” Lange said. “In JV he helped a lot of us work on things to get to the varsity level also so I would describe him as a great player.”“Gunnar is and always has been a great leader. Whenever something goes wrong instead of being negative he always stays positive and encourages everyone to keep working hard,” Josh Koehn said.“Gunnar since freshman year has always been one of our main guys to lead the team,” Layne Clark said. “His passion for the game always helped fuel the energy in the dugout and on the field.”Lewis said the middle school self would be a little surprised how he’s turned out.&nbsp;“High school me grew a lot and got a lot bigger. The height and weight difference from eighth grade to my senior year is about 10 inches and around 75 pounds,” said the current 6-foot, 180-pound Lewis. “I switched from second base to shortstop my sophomore year because of how much stronger my arm got. And I finally found power in my bat in high school which I never had.”“He’s a hard working teammate who puts his body on the line for the team and is also a great friend,” summer teammate Sam Soderstrom said.“He makes all the plays you need an infielder to make and can range both ways to give you a show at third,” Renken said.His Swathers reached the state tournament twice in Lewis’ four years.“I had always dreamed of winning a state championship but unfortunately it never happened,” Lewis said. “Individually I received all league honors three times and was second team all state this last season. I am very grateful to have received these awards.”“He was a good high school player because he was a leader,” Goalden noted. “And he wanted to make him and his team better everyday.”“He could become a great and amazing player in college if he decides to do the right thing at all times,” Lange said. “He would get along with a lot of people and be an amazing player.”Lewis hopes his legacy has been established for future Swather stars to follow.“It being a young program I just want to be a good first step in things to come,” Lewis said. “A lot of middle schoolers and younger kids came to games and I hope some of those diving plays or great hits I may have had made them interested in baseball and I hope they can keep the Hesston Baseball Program respectable.”